I have a new brother and the icing on the cake.

I got a call yesterday from my mom to tell me that I have a new baby brother. She was extra excited to tell me about my new brother because I guess he is a great runner and I will be able to take him running whenever I am in Utah. My parents absolutely love dogs so I am so excited for them and this dog will be loved to pieces! PS my dad has lost 35 lbs now! He is doing so well and now he has a pup to take on walks all of the time.

Okay. This girl just ran a 3:03 at the San Diego Marathon this last Sunday! She is so incredibly speedy! You may remember her from when I did the San Francisco Women’s 1/2 Marathon and I actually met her first when I lived in Utah. She was up visiting for a wedding and I got to steal her away for a few hours to go on a walk and obviously we went out for dessert. We also went to a running shoe store and I talked to a 56 year old woman that ran a 2:55 at Boston this year! I am surrounded by inspiring people!

Her mom came and joined us! She is the amazing woman that I was staying with when I first moved to California and we ran together the day I went into labor with Brooke. They are actually the definition of the nicest people in the world. Brooke fell asleep approximately 4 minutes after this picture was taken.

You know if your food comes in a pink box that it is going to be amazing. They took us to Icing on the Cake (the most famous bakery in the area) and she told us to get whatever we wanted to take home.

I went a little crazy. I simply could not decide and I knew Billy was going to force me to share with him so I got a variety of things. So far I have eaten the cookie in the back and it was incredible. It had coconut, chocolate chips, nuts and pretty much every other delicious ingredient in the world.

I am actually still mad at myself for not getting one (or ten) of these:

Billy had to stay at work until late last night so Brooke and I were on our own for dinner which means one thing- I refuse to cook anything and we ate leftover lettuce less salad for the fourth meal in a row.

——————————————————————

I was watching my favorite show, Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, while stretching yesterday morning and the girl on the show ran a marathon! She was incredible but I was so confused…. her longest run before the marathon was 10 miles! I have heard of people only going up to 16 miles for their long run before the marathon but I couldn’t believe 10!

Marathoners: What is usually your longest run before a marathon? Anyone run a marathon after only doing a 16 miler or less as a long run before the race?

What is the best bakery in your area? Please tell me just in case I am ever in your neck of the woods.

I watched that episode and started bawling while she was running. No idea why but it was absolutely amazing to watch her run it. I’m planning on doing the Niagara Falls 10K and that’s good enough for me right now!

OMG those icing shots look AMAZING!!! I live in NYC and there are just SOO many amazing bakeries its really hard to choose one favorite! Lately I’ve been into a cupcake shop called Molly’s in the west village! :)

I met someone this spring that ran 9 miles as his longest run. I was in shock!! That dessert looks so good. I don’t think I could have shared. I’m not that nice. Icing shots are genius. Seriously, sometimes I think it’s the best part if they have good icing on the cake. But let’s be honest, I need both to have the full experience.

That bakery box looks incredible! We have a four-legged child, and he’s been the best running & hiking companion. He’ll be 10 this November, so he’s semi-retired from running, but he still loves to hike and run crazy circles, or zoomies, in our yard.

I would rather go out for ice cream, and bring baked goodies home with me :D There’s just something about being out and walking around with a good cone that can’t be beat…. cookies and cakes are more an at home kind of thing. Yes, I’ve put a lot of thought into my answer.

And I always wished that I had a dog I could exercise with, but other than walking, the minute I start to speed up, my dogs have always taken it as a sign that it’s time to go full speed ahead… not good for the shoulder joints.

Kelly in Canada

The funny thing is I prefer baked goods, but I probs go out for ice cream more often. Although I actually prefer gelato. The best bakery around here is probably Tracycakes. Delicious treats and a really cute atmosphere!

I don’t have a dog but my sister does and I’m moving in with her and the rest of my family tomorrow. She is a chocolate lab (so cute!) and about 1.5 years so still very excitable. One of my goals this summer is to train her to run with me.

Sweet Sensations is the best local bakery! Soooo good! I would still go for either froyo or ice cream over baked goods. I watched that show too and thought that was crazy that she only had a 10 miler under her belt. With only having the goal of finishing it, it probably didn’t matter a whole lot except for the fact that her knee was killing her. She did great though!

Sadly my chihuahua isn’t exactly up for running (he’s large for a chi and *could* he’s just lazy and refuses to!) so someday, when I move to California from NYC (the ultimate plan) I want to rescue a big dog that will become my personal run buddy :)

Also baked goods for life!!! But in the hottest summer months, some dairy-free froyo. dairy-free always tastes best to me when it’s hot!

A few years ago (before I started running) I walked a marathon for charity (followed by a half marathon the next day!) with zero prep. I didn’t really work out at all so I had no idea what to expect. I was super sore but it helped me realize that I was capable of much more than I thought I was and one of the reasons I started to workout and push myself physical.
And I could never choose between baked good and ice cream so I’d choose ice cream topped with cookies :)

Sarah

My longest run before my marathon was 12.6 miles about four months before the race. I ended up hurting my knee on my next long run and then walked a half marathon I had registered for the following week. Crazy, I know. I really embraced walking when I was out of commission for running and ended up doing a ten mile walk six weeks before the race.

Knowing that running the entire thing was out of the question I did a run walk of 4:3 until I hit the wall at mile 19. And I just pushed through the last seven miles, crying my way through the last 10k and literally hobbling across the finish line.

I wouldn’t have changed a thing! Now I know the next time
I do a marathon, I can handle it.

i always go up to 23-24 miles 2 weeks before race day. i totally know people that don’t push it past 20, though. i don’t know if it really matters if you go all the way to 22-24; for me, it’s more of a mental thing than a physical thing i guess. good luck!

If you’re ever in boston, georgetown cupcakes is the place to go. i guess its not just specific to boston, but its my favorite one in town! and froyo is by far my absolute favorite to go out for. those marathon times are aaamazing!! happy national donut day! :)

jrm

Thank you! As one who has torn a meniscus and then had all sorts of problems, eeek. I was watching her run the marathon with one hand over my eyes. That said, she had such an amazing journey, I cried at the end.

Those desserts looks heavenly! I typically run 2 x 20 milers before any marathon. It is kinda strange that she only ran 10 miles. We don’t really have a great bakery where I am from :( I would so rather go out for froyo!

Susanna

Kami

I don’t think I will be comfortable running my first marathon until I have at least a 20-22 miler complete! However, I was recently talking to someone at Runon, and they were telling me that there is a common belief that if you can maintain conversation pace for 8 miles on a consistent basis (like over a 16 week timeframe, running at least 30 miles per week), you should have no problem completing a marathon! I personally have a hard time believing that, because I think my body would need to get used to longer runs plus I think I would just need the confidence that my body is able to go a minimum of 20. Interesting information though!

Someday I would love to have a Vizsla as a running companion! I love my little doxie but her legs just weren’t meant for running :)

Sam

I occasionally run with my 3.6kg (8lb) pocket rocket, Malcolm the Chi x Terrier! I take him on easy runs up to 8km and always at his speed, so sometimes we run steady, other times it’a more of a Canine Fartlek (oh look, a pole, let’s sprint to it!). It is HILARIOUS looking at the Garmin data after our runs. You can see exactly where he has sped up due to exciting things like grassed surfaces and birds. He takes particular delight in the sprint to the finish (home) with the neighbours cheering him on.
Running + being with your doggy bestie = endorphin overload.

Ice cream/froyo hands down. Always. I’m not really big on bsked goods, but I can eat my weight in froyo

I saw that episode and was confused too. I think she must have stopped and walked done but really gone longer than 10 total bc if you listen to her wording carefully she said she had always stopped to walk at 10 miles, not that she totally stopped

I only ran 16 miles before my first marathon, which kind of freaked me out, but the race was actually totally fine. My goal was to get up to 20, but I got sick a month before, so I had to build up the mileage a little slower. 10, however? Mmm I don’t know about that.

I think my longest run before my full was 21-22 miles but I ran much slower and for my goal time so wasn’t aiming for distance.
We do not have any good bakeries here! But we do have some home based ones that go to our Saturday Farmer’s market, lots of yummy cupcake ones.
No dog here, only a kitty! Who does not run with me ;)
Baked goods for sure!

HaHa! It looks like your dad is doing a side plank on his new dog! :-)

I would much rather go out for ice cream than to go to a bakery! Our most famous bakery in the area is Georgetown Cupcakes. O. M. G! Their first bakery was in Georgetown (DC), but they have a few bakeries across the US these days).

My longest run before my marathons is usually 22 miles. I once ran a spur-of-the-moment February marathon with only about 14-16 mile long runs leading up to it, but I was in top shape and had just run a couple of fall marathons.

Hmmmmm my guess is that woman walked a lot of the marathon based on her time, so she probably wasn’t trained to “run” a marathon…which is why never running more than 10 miles worked out for her. If the race day conditions were favorable and she had well-fitting shoes to keep her feet from breaking down into a pile of blisters, I definitely believe she could to a 6:30+ marathon having only trained 10 miles. I bet she really hurt the next day, and that it probably wasn’t very much fun to walk that much. I’d rather train well and enjoy running the marathon than slack on training. Besides, running is fun!

I love love that show Extreme Weight Loss! Even more than Biggest Loser because I think the trainer is so sweet and adorable :-) 10 miles is crazy to only run before a marathon. The least I ever did was 20 before my first marathon because I wanted to follow the plan exactly. After that, I went up to 22.

Our area is seriously lacking in good bakeries. I went to a cupcake festival in the Hudson Valley recently in search of a good bakery. I really liked this place called Woodstock Cupcakes. The names of the cupcakes are all singers from the 60s and 70s like the Bob Dylan cupcake.

I run with my dog almost every day! He is a black lab and so precious. When we run on-leash he is slow and we can only go like 9:30 per mile. Off leash, he runs like 8 minute miles and is a great pacer!

I absolutely love running with my dog, Moose! he’s a rescue mutt so I have no idea what breed he is besides “cutest dog ever” but he has amazing stamina. when I was training for my marathon last summer he ran up to 13.5mi with me so he’s officially a half marathoner himself :)

Cindi B

Hmmmm…I’m trying to remember; but, I think I did 23 or 24 miles before my marathons.
I run with my dog almost every day! She is a Lab/German Shorthair Pointer mix, with a long, lean, Pointer build. She gets SO EXCITED when I’m putting on my running shoes, I don’t dare leave her behind!
I have to say that you have gotten me hooked on fro-yo. I wish it were easier to find here where I live!

It is called Let Them Eat Cakes!!! They do cakes and cupcakes and they have gluten free ones :D Froyo addict all the way! My Queensland Heeler use to run with me, but now her hips are too bad for her to even walk more than a 1/2 mile :/

Chris Cossairt

I ran the Walt Disney World Marathon is past January to celebrate my 55th birthday. It was my first marathon and I know I just wanted to make it fun. The longest run I did prior to the marathon was a 10 mile trail race in December in snow and ice. I live in Indiana so it is difficult to train for a marathon in the winter. What made it fun was that I got to run it with two of my daughters, Kym and Brooke. Going from snow, ice, and sub zero temps to temps close to 90 was a little hard on our bodies. My daughter Brooke was way ahead of me but as I neared the finish at Epcot, I saw her on the sidelines calling out my name. She waited on to me finish! We crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with tears streaming down my face. Someday you will be able to experience that with your daughter. It is a feeling that is indescribable.

-I can’t believe she didn’t get injured! Thank goodness she didn’t. I’ve never run a full marathon but my longest training runs for half marathons are either 11 or 12 miles.
-Baked Goods WITH Froyo would be my choice ;)

Lindsey

That’s a tough call but I think I’d pick baked goods over ice cream, especially my mom’s carrot cake… I could live off of it and technically I’m still getting my veggies:) I’m training for my first half and longest run so far has been 18km. I will do the full distance before race day. My body seems to hold up fine with far distances but I have more issues mentally, any tips?

When I coached for team in training we only had our participants go as far as 20 miles. My racewalking coach always had me do at least 22 miles. When I trained for my 40K national race walk he had me go over the miles. I am not sure about that because honestly that was the hardest race I have ever done and I felt like I was tired to start. Perhaps it was because it was on a 2k loop (since it is judged, it makes it easier for the judges). Yes, I did it 20x, craziness!
Yori’s Bakery is our local bakery that is super. Oh and why choose between bakery and froyo?? Hit the froyo and travel on over to the bakery…

I watched Extreme Makeover yesterday too and I was actually kind of disgusted that they had her run that marathon. I’m all for anyone tackling a marathon but I think it’s important that they put in the proper training which it was clear that she did not. It also seemed like she was on the verge of a pretty serious injury and she pushed through it to run the marathon. My fear is that it presents a picture to the general population that you can run a marathon hurt and without proper training which could get a lot of people hurt.

Breanna

Sheila

Agree! I’m all for challenging yourself but when does it become a health concern? Proper training needs to come first and if injuries happen we need to listen to our bodies. We want to run for the long term not just finish one race.

I said the same thing… half marathon trainings take you to 10 miles… I didn’t think she’d make it… was floored when she did…I thought that was very unsafe of them to have her to do it – especially with her knee so bad…

but it was good TV

Alexis

OMG OMG OMG they got a DOBIE!!!! Absolute BEST dogs in the world!! We have a 4 year old dobie and he’s my number one running buddy. They’re amazing runners, my boy has gone on 8-10 mile runs with me. They’re also the total opposite of what people think they are- they’re giant babies and wimps, SO loving and sweet, and huge cuddle bugs. My boy is obsessed with kids and follows my friend’s 2 year old everywhere like Velcro. He even tries to sit in his lap every time he sits down. Congrats to your parents!!

Steph F

10 miles definitely does not seem like enough by any stretch…I have to think you put yourself at extreme risk for injury if you are that undertrained. Not to mention that she ran with a torn meniscus … eek! I got injured after my 17 mile training run last year and while I did recover in plenty of time to run the marathon, I decided to drop out because I was so afraid that I wouldn’t be prepared and didn’t want to risk re-injury. I guess I also knew that not having finished my training I wouldn’t be able to get the time I knew I would be capable of otherwise and just didn’t see the point, but I’m kind of competitive with myself like that!

I’m an fro yo girl all the way, unless the brownie bites on top count as baked goods :)

I was so worried for that girl, only running 10 prior to the race. How painful! I am glad she finished, because it seemed that they were setting her up to fail :(
I run with my Jack Russell when I’m feeling extra ambitious. Last summer, I took her out on my rollerblades and checked her pace on my Garmin… That little ball of muscle runs a FOUR MINUTE MILE! :) she’s my little pro athlete. I give her little “sport massages” on her tight muscles in the morning, and she is stretching non-stop! She’s a good reminder for me :)
I love fancy cupcakes. I search them out on every trip! Georgetown cupcakes are some of my favorites- those are the girls featured on the show “DC cupcakes.” There is also another one in DC, on capital hill, called Sweet Lobby. The owners are science-y people, and they’ve come up with delicious and creative flavors! I just found a delicious place in Phoenix last weekend, Gigi’s. the frosting was as tall as the cake! They have a bunch of stores. I always seek out cupcakes after every marathon :) it gets me through the tough miles! :)

I’m about to one of those crazy people who have run low mileage and attempt a marathon. My knee started acting up during training and after a dr.’s appointment it became clear that the mileage I wanted to do my body couldn’t do. So instead I’m teaching lots of yoga. At the end of April I ran a 10k race, last weekend I did a half marathon and my knee survived, and in 15 days I’ll be attempting a full marathon. The longest distance I’ve ever ran is 13.1, so we’ll see what happens! I know its crazy, but I really want to try! (and had already paid for the race and you can’t defer it)

I’m using the Hansons Marathon Method and the highest mileage they prescribe is 16. I’m nervous because I feel like the difference between 16 and 26.2 is major! I know I should trust the plan; they know way more about marathoning than I do, but it’s the last 10 mi (especially the last 6) that I’m most concerned about!!

I would be slightly concerned with that too. However, I had some issues before my very first marathon, and the most I ended up doing was 17. I needed to rest a few weeks out, and missed an 18 and a 21-miler. I was fine and finished without issue, but….since then, I have trained up to 23 miler, and done multiple 18-20’s. During the marathon, those last 6 miles are where it is at!

My longest run before my first marathon was only 16 miles; I had planned to do a longer one but life with two children got in the way. I didn’t finish with the time I wanted but that just means I get to try again, and be more prepared this time :)

For my second full, I only ran 16 miles for my long runs- and I PR’d by nearly half an hour (still slow, but 5:12 is better than 5:41!). I only have 10 weeks to train for #3 once I’m released to run again in July, so I’ll only be running up to 16 miles again. I figure with all the strength training I do, it will be good enough to finish. And finishing= winning, plus I run for fun. My general rule in marathons has become, “If I’m not smiling, it’s time for a walk break. And a snack.”

Froyo would definitely beat anything else. Love that stuff.
Whoa! Only 10?! That’s insane. I’m thinking Hal’s plan is going to take me up to 22 or something like that before mine. I need to know I can do it! haha
I love dogs. Unfortunately, ours growing up weren’t the best running dogs. They got too distracted.

catie

I’m starting training for my first marathon next week! EEEK! My training plan (Hal’s, who’s plans I’ve used twice for my two half marathons) has two 20 mile runs though, so I figured I could probably handle a full if I can hit 20. :)

I have just started training for my first marathon and I will definitely be going up to at least 20. It will be mental training as much as physical for me!

Oh my gosh choosing between ice cream/fro yo and baked goods is like Sophie’s choice!! My choice really depends on the day but I think it might be froyo ( with brownie bits and cookie dough of course!).

Kellye

Its NATIONAL DONUT DAY!!! I have seen amazing donuts all over FB and Instagram and thought I would be looking at a box full of amazing donuts on your blog…so just incase you didn’t know I thought I would share!

Jazz

I think my long run was 35km before the full 42. I like to be prepared!
Those icing shots are an awesome idea, I might do that at a party in shot glasses… would be good with cookies to dip it in… (Oh wait, dunkaroos already exist.. crap)

I have to admit I was shocked when that Extreme Weight Loss girl only ran 10 miles before marathon especially considering she came from no fitness just 1/2 a year before. I struggle to think that is safe and healthy but she did make it through and didn’t seem to be in too much pain from it so what do I know! :). I had a friend who only ran 10 miles before a marathon but she was also in pretty good shape already but she was hurting pretty bad during those last miles!

That is also one of my favorite shows and I want to be BFFs with Chris. I couldn’t believe her longest run was 10 miles either! I’ve only done a half marathon and I still don’t think I could finish a marathon! She didn’t quit though, which was awesome. I probably wouldn’t quit either if I had him running next to me…

My dog is a terrible running partner, but he’s really good at licking my plate when I’m done eating.

What is the best bakery in your area? I’m not sure yet. I am still exploring all of the options!…

Who has a dog they run with? What kind of dog is it? No dog for us yet. We are still getting settled in our new house. Maybe by the end of the summer. We are having fun exploring all of our options. At this moment, we are leading towards a Border Collie.

Would you rather go out for baked goods or ice cream/froyo? Baked goods all the way!

Oh my gosh EMWE is my favorite show too!!! I was really confused about her running the marathon as well..I mean I just ran a half and I was like psh I don’t know if I could have gone on and ran 13.1 more, but I guess maybe? That show is SO inspiring and I cry every episode…I just love Chris Powell :)

I run with my dog sometimes if it’s not too hot and I’m only going about 3 miles :) She is a chocolate lab puppy (well she’s almost 3!) and she LOVES running with me!

Ummmm definitely froyo over baked goods, is that even a question!!! ;)

Kimberly

I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one confused by that! 10 miles doesn’t seem like enough preparation. I loved how the family and friends jumped in at each mile though. That would motivate me more than ever!

JunieB

I too watch Extreme Weight Loss and about lost my **** when I saw they let, even encouraged her to continue with the marathon! 10 mile max AND she had a knee injury!!! I was very disappointed in the producers letting this happen all for the sake of the television show!

Shame on you Janae. I am so incredibly disappointed that this was not a whole post dedicated to National Donut Day. Let down of the CENTURY. I will forgive you, since you post cute pictures of Brooke for us to see every day.

Becca L.

I can’t imagine running a marathon! I’m a half marathon-er (ish — I’ve done 4 since starting running almost 2 years ago) and every time I finish, I think, “I can’t imagine turning around and doing that whole thing over!” I’m sure I’ll train one day to run a marathon, but I want to make sure I am SO trained when I do!

I watched that too Janae and was also shocked when she said 10 miles!! Come on that is not proper training, no wonder why she was never able to work through the knee issues! Also didnt she say that at the 10 mile mark her knee pretty much gave out? Probably shouldnt have run it!

Right?! I couldn’t believe they had her train for a marathon when she had almost no running background (90days while losing 80lbs is HARDLY base building). Then to only run 10mi and run on an injury….it just seemed so irresponsible! I love this show, but I hated how cavalierly they approached the marathon. She could have gotten really hurt!

jrm

The participant on Extreme Weight Loss had a torn meniscus. I believe she tore it sometime during her “year of transformation”, a few months (?) before the marathon, while she was in the heart of building her mileage. I realize that some people may not have watched the episode but hello, TORN MENISCUS.

Firstly, I agree, 10 miles prep for a marathon is dangerous, a recipe for injury and all around bad news bears. I was really disappointed in the show (which I love) for barely mentioning her injury. She was in pain, I’m sure during the marathon and likely severe pain after, partially because she hadn’t had enough mileage/training/etc but mostly because hello torn meniscus?!

Ever run on a torn meniscus? It feels like a sharp pain every time you step on your injured leg, like your femur and tibia are pushing together. It is awful, terrible and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. As someone who had a severe tear of the meniscus, it isn’t something that I or anyone could “just push through”. Seriously? Just work through it?! A torn meniscus doesn’t repair on its own. Sure, some tears aren’t as severe as others, some can return to full activity, but it’s a serious injury that often results in other issues down the road, especially for runners.

I say all this with a the proverbial grain of salt. Her torn meniscus may not have been severe. One never knows what didn’t make the editing cuts because the show is only how ever many minutes (60?). Perhaps they advised her of the risks, but the show doesn’t go into it, which also makes me slightly stabby. I know, she voluntarily ran and it was such a great accomplishment for her, but the shows portrayal makes me stabby.

Once upon a time I ran, I no longer run due to my injury (doctor orders — yes I asked). Please understand I’m not directing my rant at Janae or anyone specifically. Even though I no longer run I like to come here and read/see Janae’s and others positive outlook, massive dedication and all around good times. Sorry if I sound like a shreiking banshee, stepping off my soapbox now.

Oh wow, a marathon after only working up to 10 miles? That sounds awful! I ran a marathon this spring after only running 18 as my longest run and it was horrible. Never again. Working up to 10 sounds like a basic HALF marathon plan, not a full! I sure hope you enjoyed all of those desserts! Makes me want to head over to my favorite cupcake place in my area (Sugar Monkey Cupcakes) and pick some up. :) They have a blueberry lemonade cupcake that is just heavenly.

I prefer baked goods over fro yo as they go much better with tea :)
My longest run was 20 miles before my marathon- I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start it unless I had run close to the final distance.

zoe

HI JANAE!!! i thought of you because (1) my bed was warm and my house was cold so i didn’t get up to work out this morning haha. but it does work as a rest day for me! so there you go. (2) it’s FREE DOUGHNUT DAY so i walked to the nearest dunkin doughnuts to get myself a lil treat!! ok so maybe that negates my rest day. (3) i’m registering for another half marathon RIGHT NOW!!

I run with my dog Lando. he’s an Aussie. we hit 6 miles before but he likes the 3 mile mark.

Longest run 13.1

I haven’t been to Icing on the Cake. now i must go. Funny, you are going to all these places I have never been to and I’ve pretty much lived here my entire life! Great job on getting out there and exploring :)

Holly

I injuried my IT band very badly training for my 1st marathon and deferred to the next year. I went the next year, just for fun since it was paid for, with only running a 7 miler beforehand. I walked up the hills and through all the water stations and finished in 5:42. I didn’t hit the wall and wasn’t in pain until I stopped at the finish. Then I could barely walk for 2 days. Needless to say, I will prepare better if I ever run one again.

runningwithscissors

I have to tell you that you are the first person I thought of today at 3:50 am. when my alarm went off and I heard it is nation donut day!!!
For mental reasons I like to run a 23 miler before my marathons.
Toss up between froyo and baked goods. It’s all grand!!!

Janee

I may have already mentioned this place before…but you have to try Bouchon Bakery in Yountville (not sure how far that is from where you are). They have the most amazing pastries. They have a raspberry cream cheese danish that is so good!

We watched that and I was thinking the same thing. I didn’t think it was responsible of the show at all and couldn’t believe the trainer did it to her. But, maybe she was walking some of the miles since she did it in 6:30.

I love Extreme Makeover! I was a little surprised that she’d only done ten miles too, but when you look at the footage you can tell that she’s just barely moving above a walk. I think it’s probably possible at that pace. Nevertheless, I was so glad for her! Such an accomplishment!

court!

kathyo

Wow the puppy is so cute. I have a baby Cocker Spaniel right now and I can’t wait until he is old enough to come out on short runs. 3.03 marathon could you get her to send me some speed :) I’m training for my first marathon, I’m just hoping I can finish with the 6 hour cut-off!
Re 10 mile run, I know one of my friends who did a marathon recently and her longest run was around the 10 mile mark. I think her program focused on really intensive shorter runs rather than slow and steady like me :)

I actually found out about my favorite bakery at a farmer’s market I was working at. They had a booth next to me, and their cherry pie kept calling to me, so I finally bought it. I got a business card with the pie, and I realized they’re located pretty close to me. It’s a little hole in the wall place that you wouldn’t know was there if you weren’t looking for it, but they have the most delicious stuff!

I ran two 16 milers prior to my marathon earlier this year, and not because I was following the Hanson’s plan … but because I live in the tundra and had a really hard time mentally trying to do more when it was 10 degrees outside! I managed to pull out a 3:45 at my race which was a fairly big PR for me but maaaan did it hurt. I will not attempt that kind of sillyness ever again!

I sometimes run with my mini Australian Shepherd but she tires and gets really hot so quickly. I can only do about 2-3 miles if I’m taking her along unless it’s super cold out (and by that I mean 50 degrees because I live in Florida).

Kerri C.

I am definitely a baked goods gal! In Spokane, Washington we have a couple of great places. My faves would have to be the chocolate chip cookies at Taste Cafe and the Pink Champagne cupcakes at Sweet Dreams Bakery.

And I’m sure you can probably guess… I have a dog and OF COURSE SHE RUNS! A ton in fact. She is an AWESOME German Shorthair Pointer and needs no leash for running although I use the Ruff Wear Flat Out Leash when needed. It is sooo nice to be hands free with my Sofie Lou :-)

Elizabeth V

I watched that one too. I thought it wasn’t a great idea, especially because she was having issues with her knee, but inspiring none the less. She looked amazing at the end! The longest run before my marathon was 20 miles. I couldn’t imagine going into a marathon with only 10 miles as my longest run!

For my first marathon, I only put in 16 miles. This was accident. I was supposed to have done the normal three 20 milers. I was graduating that year, I got stressed, it snowed A TON, and I didn’t feel like putting in that many miles anymore. So I didn’t. I ran my first marathon, and loved it ever since.

My training buddy is a mini schnauzer. Weird, I know. But she just LOVES to run. She will do 17 miles with me and still wants more! Crazy dog.

Leah

My sister and her boyfriend were running a half together and at the 13 mile marker you could choose to finish the half or continue on for the full. When they reached that point, he asked her what she wanted to do, and she said she only wanted to do the half. When she told him that, he rolled his eyes at her. Seeing him do that, she decided she’d “show him” and did the full. She ended up beating him by 20 minutes and busting out a 3:50 with only two 3 mile runs in the month prior. Sooo, she did a marathon (her first and only) with basically no training? …My body would hate me.

I love that show too! I calculated her pace- it’s abouttttt 15 min/mile. If she was running fast like you, a 10 mile pdr wouldn’t work. But since she has a more relaxed pace, it’s not horrible. What I couldn’t believe was that she tore her miniscus and was still running! No wonder it gave out on her!

My longest run before my first marathon was 14 miles. I actually had injured my knee and had to stop running cold turkey two weeks before the race. I was almost not going to do it, but I went out for a jog/run two days before and figured I would just walk/run through it. Haha, once I got there I was so excited to be around all the amazing runners that I ended up completing it in 3:33 and qualified for Boston. I was so excited! Running is contagious and being around people who love it really does inspire me!

I learned through that experience that sometimes our body just needs to recover (like when I hurt my knee). Its good to just stop and heal even if everything in you wants to keep training.

I watched that episode as well and I did find it inspiring however, I definitely questioned the longest mile only being 10 miles. In fact, I watched it with my cat and even said out loud, “What?! Only 10 miles?!” Yes, my cat was surprised as well. She definitely has some determination! If she runs another one with more training she is going to be amazed at how much better it goes.